Make Your Own Homemade Dehydrated Fruit Snacks! Your Kids Will Adore Them

One of the oldest methods of preserving fruits and vegetables is drying. Also it is one of the most economic and ecological, as well as natural, since this technique acts on the fruit, without any harmful side effects to it which is many times related to the processes of industrial conservation, and if we consider the often unreasonable cost of dried fruit, it also ensures a great saving too.

In this article we will show you how to make these healthy and simple snacks for your family and be sure that your children are going to adore them. The fruitsare full of many vitamins that protect us fromdiseases, so consuming them is very important. If you have a food dehydrator at your home, do not hesitate and make your own healthy fruit snacks assoon as possible. Here we will present you some cool tips for healthy domestic dried fruit snacks. Your whole family, and especially your kids will just adore these tasty cute fruit snacks. They are an ideal choice for the children while they are at school or out playing with their friends. The carbohydrates and vitamins in the dehydrated fruit snacks will give your kids the boost of energy they need to enjoy their day to the maximum and will also keep them strong and healthy too.

First you have to wash the fruit thoroughly and cut it into equally thick slices (an egg slicer can be very helpful with this). After slicing the fruit, place the slices in the domestic fruit tray of the food dryer, sprinkle them with lemon juice and sugar or cinnamon sugar, and leave them to dry.

Dehydrated Oranges:

In order to make dehydrated oranges, you need first to peel them off and cut them in equal thin slices using a knife or a mandolin slicer. Then place them on the dehydrator trays.

Dehydrated Kiwi:


First wash the kiwi fruit and peel them off. Cut the kiwi in equally thin slices, with a mandolin slicer or knife.  Next and final,just arrange the slices on the dehydrator trays.
Dehydrated Apples:

First wash the apples, peel them with a knife, remove the core and cut them in equally thin slices.  Dip the slices in acup of lemon juice to prevent them ofbecoming brown. You can also drizzle them with cinnamon and cover them with honey.

Dehydrated Bananas:

If you want to make fruit snack with dried bananasthe best thing to do is to cut them in thicker slices. You can also place them in half a cup of lemon juice, arrange them on the dehydrator trays and cover them with honey which will make them even more delicious. Then leave them to dry.The average time for drying fruit in the oven is about 8 hours. However, this varies and depends on the thickness of the fruit slices, therefore try and make the fruit pieces as equally thin as you can. The thinner the fruit slices, the shorter the drying time. If you do not own a food dryer you can prepare this snack in a hot air oven. The best option for storage of the dried fruit is in sealed glass jars. Seal the caps tightly and store them in a dark place.

source:http://www.healthyfoodteam.com/

7 Tips to Help Kids Overcome Fear of Needle Shots

Getting needle vaccinations might help protect kids against various illnesses, but they sure do hurt. It's no wonder most children are scared of getting shots -- and it doesn't help that they have to get shots so often. In fact, many little ones rack up more than 20 vaccinations by the time they're 4 years old. Here are seven tips to help make the next doctor's visit a little smoother experience.



1 Tell the Truth

If a child asks whether or not they're going to get shots, don't brush them off or deny it. "Make sure they know that the shot is something that protects them and explain that they're not being punished," says Margaret Fisher, M.D., recent chair of the Section of Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, don't say the shot won't hurt because kids will learn you are lying and you can lose their trust. Instead, answer simply and honestly, saying, "Yes, it'll hurt, but just for a few seconds." When it's over, make sure to show them a happy, smiling face to let them know they're all done.

2 Don't Reveal Too Much

Don't give your child too many details prior to the office visit. "If you tell kids too much too soon, you will ruin their entire week and they will worry up until the day of the appointment," explains Ari Brown, M.D., a Parents advisor and author of the Baby 411 series. Instead, don't mention the shot at all unless they ask. If they do, and you know they won't be getting a shot, of course you should tell them so.

However, if you don't know, you can say, "It's possible you may need one today, but I'm not sure if you do," suggests Dr. Brown. "Being vague usually works just fine -- when I tell kids I have to check the chart to see if they're getting a shot, I usually get a sigh of relief." If you talk about the shots too much, you will likely make your child more anxious for the doctor's appointment, and his concerns can escalate to the point where he's terrified all the way up to the visit.

3 Prevent the Physical Pain

Some experts suggest applying an anesthetic cream about 20 minutes before the shot, which can help numb the skin. Ask your doctor which brand she recommends. During the vaccination, help distract your child by squeezing his hand, making funny faces, telling a joke or story, playing I Spy, or simply singing his favorite song.

4 Know When to Let Go

If your child is in hysterics, it might be best to step back and allow the nurse or doctor to take over, advises Dr. Brown. Kids overreact to shots sometimes, knowing they'll get a response from their parents (which may lead to you refusing to go through with the shot). If your kid is throwing a tantrum, consider leaving the room briefly so the staff can do their job. Or try standing in the corner of the room and maintaining eye contact with your child, which provides support without getting in the way. Doing so can help speed up the whole process and minimize the painful experience for everyone involved.

5 Know When to Let Go

If your child is in hysterics, it might be best to step back and allow the nurse or doctor to take over, advises Dr. Brown. Kids overreact to shots sometimes, knowing they'll get a response from their parents (which may lead to you refusing to go through with the shot). If your kid is throwing a tantrum, consider leaving the room briefly so the staff can do their job. Or try standing in the corner of the room and maintaining eye contact with your child, which provides support without getting in the way. Doing so can help speed up the whole process and minimize the painful experience for everyone involved.

6 Consider a Reward

Sometimes even a small incentive (like a lollipop or a sticker) can help ease the pain. A special treat gives your child something to look forward to while also acknowledging his bravery and his boo-boo in a positive way. Or promise your child that after his vaccinations, you'll do something special together, like going bowling or getting an ice cream cone.

source:http://www.parents.com

7 Amazing Ways to Heal Cracked Feet

Here are the top 10 ways to heal cracked feet.

1. Scrubbing

Scrubbing the hard, dead skin away helps a great deal in getting rid of cracked feet. Before scrubbing, soak your feet in warm soapy water to help soften the skin and make it easier to scrub.


Before going to bed, mix some liquid soap in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in this warm soapy water for about 20 minutes.
Use a pumice stone to gently scrub off the loosened dead skin cells.
Rinse off your feet with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply some foot cream or moisturizer and wear a pair of clean cotton socks overnight.
Follow this remedy daily until your cracked feet are healed completely.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another incredible remedy for dry, cracked feet. It helps moisturize your feet and also fights fungal and bacterial infections, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Before going to sleep, soak your feet in warm water and scrub with a loofah.
Dry your feet thoroughly and then apply coconut oil generously on your feet.
Put on a pair of clean, cotton socks for the night.
The next morning, remove the socks and wash your feet.
Do this daily for several days until you are satisfied with the results.
You can also use olive oil in the same way.

3. Mentholated Rub

This is another popular home remedy for cracked heels because of the many essential oils that it contains. It also helps heal toenail fungus.

Apply some mentholated rub on clean, dry feet before going to bed.
Put on a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
The next morning, remove your socks and wash your feet with warm water.
Repeat daily for a few days until the rough skin peels off.

4. Paraffin Wax

You can also use paraffin wax to remove the dead, dry skin and cure cracked feet. It will also work as a natural emollient to soften the skin and retain the natural oils on the skin.

Heat some paraffin wax in a microwave or double-boiler and add an equal amount of mustard oil or coconut oil to it.
Apply this thick creamy paste on the cracks and put on a pair of socks.
Leave it on overnight and wash your feet thoroughly in the morning.
Follow this remedy daily for one or two weeks.

5. Glycerin

Due to its moisturizing and humectant properties, glycerin works as a great remedy to get rid of cracked feet.

Make a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and lemon juice. You can also add some rose water.
Apply it on your feet.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with water.
Follow this remedy daily for about two weeks.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom facilitates the process of healing cracked feet as it promotes circulation. Plus, the magnesium in Epsom salt promotes skin health and draws out toxins.

Add one-half cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
Gently rub your feet with a pumice stone for a few minutes.
Put your feet back in the Epsom salt soak for another 10 minutes.
Finally, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Repeat daily for two or three days.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar can also be used to treat cracked feet as the acetic acid in vinegar helps soften the skin which in turn makes exfoliation easier. Vinegar foot soaks are also beneficial for tired feet.

Mix one-half to one cup of white or apple cider vinegar in two cups of water. Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes and then slough off the dead, dry skin with a pumice stone or foot scrubber. Then, wash your feet and pat dry thoroughly. Finally, apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Another option is to make a natural foot scrub. Mix a handful of coarse rice flour, a few tablespoons of raw honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. You can also add one tablespoon of olive oil to it. Wash your feet well and then gently massage your feet with this paste for a few minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat once or twice a week.

source:http://www.top10homeremedies.com

10 Wonderful Remedies To Stop Thumb Sucking Habits In Children

It is irritating at times to see your little one sucking the thumb while playing, sitting and watching his favourite cartoon show, isn’t it? It is okay for infants to suck their thumb as a natural reflex that soothes them. But for grown up kids aged between 5-7 or more, it is quite embarrassing at times to do so publicly. It is mostly seen that kids abandon their thumb sucking by the age of 5. But, in case your child hasn’t done so, it’s high time for you to come to action.


Effects Of Thumb Sucking:

Small kids suck their thumb to find comfort and sometimes, for inducing sleep as well. The problem increases when the child enters an age when permanent teeth start coming out. Constant thumb sucking may result in the misalignment of teeth and affect the roof of their mouth adversely.

There are social issues that include bullying at school and detesting by peers. In some cases, it is noticed that thumb suckers are considered less intelligent and charming or less amicable.

It is also a major cause of some medical problems. While constant thumb sucking may result in the chapping or cracking of skin, there are chances of the development of some infections in the thumb nail as well.


Let’s have a look at the wonderful remedies to stop Thumb Sucking habits in children:

For grown up kids and grown-ups, leaving thumb sucking instantly may not be possible. It is a habit developed over years. We cannot expect it to vanish in a while. But, here are some remedies that may be of help to you:

1. Distract The Child:

It is one of the best ways to stop thumb sucking habits. All you need to do is engage your child in a ‘two-hand involved activity’ every time you notice his thumb in the mouth. This may include hugging a cuddly soft toy, reading a book, or playing his favourite game on PSP.

2. Wrap The Thumb:

A thumb wrapped with band aid, tape, or covered with a finger puppet mitten will certainly never taste as good as the bare thumb. For bed time thumb sucking, you can use socks as well.


3. Try To Limit The Time Of Thumb Sucking:

Talk to your child and explain to him or her that it is okay to suck the thumb only at night. This might discourage the child to do so at least during the day time.

4. Apply Lime Juice To The Thumb:

Children often dislike the taste of lime juice. You might just get lucky if you apply lots of lime juice on your child’s thumb. You can also repeat this remedy with other eating dislikes of your child. At least, it’s safer than any chemical-based nail paint!

5. Use A Reward System:

Every time your child gives away thumb sucking, use stickers on the calendar. Tell him that he will be rewarded every week or month if he abandons it completely. Most of the times, it works!

6. Allow Your Child To Develop Willingness:

For long term results, it is necessary for children to realize the aftermath of thumb sucking. It will make them leave this habit by themselves. Just keep talking and never compel!

7. Make The Child Realize That He’s Grown Up Now:

Kids tend to follow their favourites and hence, may finally give up for this adulation. Use examples of his favourite cartoon or comic character. Ask him questions like, “Have you seen Ben 10 suck his thumb?”

8. Try A Substitute:

Thumb sucking soothes children. Okay! Let’s try some other things that may do the same. Give your child lollipops, candies, or mint balls every time he feels like putting his thumb into his mouth.

9. Use A Thumb Guard:

It is a mould of plastic that can be fitted on the thumb, and it restricts thumb sucking quite effectively. But using it forcibly may affect your child’s psyche. So be cautious!

10. Don’t Pay Heed To It:

Yes, ignore your child’s thumb sucking. It sounds strange but sometimes, it is the way to go. Mostly children do this to attract your attention. So, ignoring is the best method to discourage. But always keep a secret eye on him!

Try these remedies for thumb-sucking habit and keep reminding him that you are always there to help him get out of this habit.

Do you know any other home remedies for thumb sucking? Share with us in the comments section below.
source:http://www.stylecraze.com

Magic Salt – Sock: Instant Treatment Tool against Inflamed Ears for Children and Adults

Agony and infection in the ear is an awful experience, particularly in youngsters. Other than fever, which makes you feel weak, you must also face pain in the ear.

At this point of year when we have stormy days and low temperatures, home solutions for treating some wellbeing issues are more than welcome.


magical-salt-sock-instant-treatment-tool-against-inflamed-ears-for-children-and-adults

With a specific end goal to decrease the torment in the ear and infection’s side effects, do this straightforward cure, you will require just sea salt and socks. Because of the vicinity of minerals, salt holds heat and has the ability to diminish torment until the body is not protected from the infection.

Salt-sock is really white cotton sock loaded with ocean salt. You can tell adolescent youngsters that it is magic sock that will make the agony go away.

You will require 1 to 1.5 mugs of ocean salt. The salt needs to be substantial in light of the fact that you don’t need it to slip out of the sock. Put the salt in a clean pot and heat it over medium hotness for around 4 to 6 minutes, until it is warmed equally (ought to be hot). At that point, put the salt in a sock, tie a bunch and put the sock as a covering onto the influenced ear.

It can be arranged in an alternate way also.

Fill the sock with enormous sea salt, tie a bunch are put it in a clean warm dish. It needs to be warmed for 6 to 7 minutes until it is uniformly warmed from all sides. After that, place it onto the wiped out ear. Your agony will be gone in a few minutes.

Source:  www.healthyfoodstar.com

5 Delicious Indian Food Recipes For Kids

Is the fact that your child dislikes homemade food bothering you? Do you wonder if there could be anything you could do to make your kid love the healthy homemade food? Foods prepared at home are the best, no doubt about it. But what can you do to make your child love homely food and ensure he prefers them to all those burgers and fries?


To get the answer, you got to read this post! Following are five scrumptious and healthy recipes which are sure to make your kid a stickler to homemade food once and for all! Go on and get amazed!

Indian Food Recipes For Kids – Top 5:

1. Oats Kheer:

This is one recipe that can be used to make your kids opt for oats every day. Refrain from using much sugar to keep the calorie value under control. Using honey is also an option.

Ingredients:

Oats
Milk
Honey/sugar
Almonds
Dates
Cardamoms
Raisins
Banana
How To Make:

At first, roast the oats for a while.
Boil milk in a pan and add the dry fruits.
Add roasted oats and simmer.
Wait till the kheer turns thick and creamy.

2. Sweet Corn Pulao:

This Pulao is very easy to make and is a good companion for meat dishes. You can make it with brown rice or even leftover rice. You may sprinkle some lemon juice to make it tastier.

Ingredients:

Sweet corn
Basmati rice
Salt
Turmeric powder
Ginger-garlic paste
Onion
Chilli Powder
Coriander powder
Garam masala
Oil
Cinnamon
Cloves
How To Make:

Soak rice and cook with water. Drain the water.
Sauté cloves and cinnamon in oil. Add the onions.
Next, add the ginger-garlic paste along with turmeric powder.
Pour in spice powders and sweet corn.
Add the rice and salt. Toss well and cook.
Garnish using coriander leaves.

3. Carrot Halwa:

You know about the numerous health benefits offered by carrots. However, it may be tough feeding your kids with this healthy vegetable. If it is so, try offering them a yummy dessert made with carrots!

Ingredients:

Carrots, shredded/ground
Ghee
Milk
Sugar
Cardamom
Nuts & Raisins
How To Make:

Sauté the nuts and raisins in pan with ghee.
Boil carrots in milk.
When it turns thick, add sugar. Stir the mixture.
Now add nuts and raisins and cardamom.
Stir fry on low heat and the halwa will be ready.


4. Curd Rice:

Here comes one of the easiest south indian food recipes for kids, and even finicky kids are likely to savor this. Do not use lots of chilies if you make it only for kids. You may use coriander leaves to garnish.

Ingredients:

Rice
Oil
Salt
Water
Curry leaves
Sour curd
Red chilies
Mustard seeds
How To Make:

Cook the rice in water and drain it well.
Mix curd with rice and add some salt.
Sauté the dry red chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds.
Add this to the rice and mix well.
This tastes the best when served with pickle.

5. Cool Cucumber Raita:

This is one cold and yummy dessert that you can give your kids post a heavy dinner. It is not high in calories but packs in lots of nutrients. Cilantro and mint add to the flavor.

Ingredients:

Whole-milk yogurt
Cucumber, coarsely grated
Chopped fresh cilantro
Kosher salt
Chopped fresh mint


How To Make:

Drain the yogurt with cheese cloth and keep in the fridge.
Mix grated cucumber with cold yogurt in a bowl.
Add the mint and cilantro with salt. Blend everything well.
Keep it in the fridge before serving.

source:http://www.stylecraze.com

10 Best Foods For Kids To Grow Taller

As parents, we all want our kids to grow tall and be healthy! Did you know that what you feed your kids plays an important role in how tall they grow? But obviously, that is all we do as mothers and parents all the time. But it is bit hard to keep track of a very long list isn’t it? Let us make it easier for you then, here is a list of the best foods that help kids grow tall!


Top 10 Foods that Help Kids Grow Taller:

If you want your kids to grow taller, there are certain foods that you will need to integrate into their diet. These super-foods will help your kids in many ways, apart from increasing their height. Here are the top 10 healthy foods that will help your kids grow taller and stronger:

1. Eggs:

Proteins are nutrients that play the biggest role in increasing your kids’ height, so make sure that they eat an egg every day. Making them a yummy omelet or a boiled egg for breakfast is a great way to start their day and get proteins into their body!

2. Milk:

Milk is filled with calcium which is great for the growth of bones as well as for strength. Proteins are also well-assimilated by milk. Get your kids to drink milk every day or make delicious dishes that are filled with the goodness of milk. This is the best food for kids to grow taller.

3. Soybeans:

Get your kids to eat more soybeans as they are a vegetarian food that is rich in proteins. They improve the growth of bones and muscles. You can create many yummy recipes with soybeans to make your kids eat this amazing food.

4. Oatmeal:

This super-food is rich in protein and has low fat content. It is one of the healthiest foods for anyone, so get your kids to eat it on a regular basis to grow taller.

5. Chicken:

Recipes that include chicken are always loved by kids. It is a meat that is healthy and rich in protein.

6. Spinach:

Yes, Popeye had it right all along and that’s what you can tell your kids! Spinach is a super-veggie that will not only give your kids the strength that they need but will also provide them with iron and calcium. These two nutrients are essential to make sure that your kids grow tall!

7. Carrots:

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which helps in the synthesis of proteins in the body. Raw carrots have the highest content of this vitamin so add them to salads or get your kids to drink fresh carrot juice daily. Watch them grow tall fast!

8. Fruits:

We all know that fruits are important foods for kids to grow healthy and strong. Fruits that are rich in Vitamin A such as mangoes, cantaloupe and peaches will help your kids grow taller and strengthen their bones when they are added to their diet.

9. Whole Grains:

Get your kids to eat whole grain foods whenever they can! They are the healthiest option when it comes to grains as they are rich in Vitamin B and iron. Whole-grain breads and pastas as well as cereals are awesome choices if you want your kids to grow taller!

10. Yogurt:

Yogurt is a fantastic source of Vitamin D and calcium which are both essential to a child’s growth in terms of height. If your kids are not fans of yogurt, get them to eat cheese instead as this too is rich in proteins, calcium and Vitamin D.

If you want your kids to grow taller, try out these that we like to call the best foods that help kids grow taller and see the amazing results. They will not only grow taller but will also be strong and healthy!

source:http://www.stylecraze.com/